Reimagining Qualitative Analysis and Writing via a Comparative Constructed Focus Group Method

Abstract

This essay explores our journey to a new comparative qualitative data analysis and writing method. In attempting to compare our separate qualitative youth work-life research, our analysis was stymied by traditional qualitative coding, writing conventions, and comparison norms. Our comparative research literature review revealed restrictions for our goals and ultimately inspired our new analysis and writing method called a “comparative constructed focus group.” We use a post-coding approach to connect participants in communication via a retrospectively constructed focus group and subsequent researcher dialogue. Our method enriches qualitative analysis and comparative writing by surfacing richer nuances and departures in participants’ communication and creates future potential for intersectional analysis.